Top 5 Best Pet Frogs for Beginners | GeoZoo Care Guide

Frogs are a popular choice for pet owners looking for an attractive and low-maintenance companion. In this article, we will explore the top 5 best pet frogs for beginners. These species are easy to care for, have simple enclosure requirements, and are readily available in the pet trade. Whether you’re new to keeping frogs or looking to add a new amphibian friend to your collection, these frogs are excellent choices.

Horned Frogs (Ceratophrys sp.)

Horned frogs, also known as pacman frogs, are a popular choice for beginner frog owners. These large, ground-dwelling frogs, belonging to the Ceratophrys sp. species, come in a variety of color morphs, making them visually stunning additions to any frog collection.

One of the main reasons why horned frogs are favored by beginners is their ease of care. They have relatively simple enclosure requirements, making them suitable for new frog owners who may still be getting the hang of amphibian care. Horned frogs thrive in setups that include soil or moss for burrowing, as well as a diet consisting primarily of insects.

These frogs can grow up to 8 inches in length, showcasing their impressive size and presence. While they may have a feisty temperament, horned frogs can be handled with practice, allowing owners to interact with them more closely.

Horned Frog Care Tips:

1. Provide a spacious enclosure with adequate substrate for burrowing.
2. Maintain the enclosure’s temperature and humidity within the appropriate range for horned frogs.
3. Offer a varied diet consisting of appropriately sized insects.
4. Ensure regular cleaning of the enclosure to maintain good hygiene.
5. Handle horned frogs with care and practice to avoid stressing them.

Interesting Fact:

Gray Tree Frogs (Hyla chrysoscelis)

A close-up view of a Gray Tree Frog perched on a tree branch, blending in with its surroundings. Its green and gray mottled skin transitions seamlessly into the bark of the tree. The frog’s large, expressive eyes stare directly at the viewer, conveying a sense of calm curiosity. Surrounding foliage and other natural elements complete the serene woodland scene.

Gray tree frogs are small, tree-dwelling frogs commonly found in North America and Canada. They are known for their quick movements and ability to climb. These frogs are relatively easy to care for and can be housed in a small enclosure. They require a minimum size terrarium and thrive in a bioactive setup with plants and water. Gray tree frogs are not the most interactive pets, but they make great features for decorative terrariums. They are a popular choice for beginners due to their small size and low-maintenance care requirements.

Gray Tree Frog Care Tips:

• Provide a small terrarium with branches for climbing.
• Create a bioactive setup with live plants and a water feature.
• Maintain a temperature range of 70°F to 80°F.
• Keep humidity levels between 50% and 70%.
• Feed a diet of insects and small invertebrates.
• Provide hiding spots and a shallow water dish for hydration.

Dart Frogs (Dendrobates sp.)

If you’re looking for a pet frog that will truly stand out, look no further than dart frogs, also known as poison arrow frogs. These small terrestrial frogs are renowned for their vibrant colors and stunning appearance. With their bold patterns and bright hues, dart frogs are sure to captivate any frog enthusiast.

One of the key advantages of keeping dart frogs is their suitability for live enclosures, such as paludariums or bioactive terrariums. These setups mimic the frogs’ natural habitats and include live plants and water features, creating a visually appealing and engaging environment.

When it comes to care requirements, dart frogs have specific needs that must be met for their optimal health and well-being. Temperature and humidity are crucial factors to consider, as dart frogs thrive in warmer and humid environments. These conditions can be achieved by using appropriate heating and misting systems in their enclosures.

While the care requirements may seem demanding, dart frogs are relatively easy to care for with the right setup. As long as their enclosure is properly maintained, these frogs can thrive in captivity. However, it’s important to note that dart frogs are not recommended for handling. Their sensitive skin can be easily affected by oils and salts found on human hands, which may cause harm to the frogs.

Zoo Med Naturalistic Substrate Soil for Your Pet Frog

Create bioactive terrariums and tropical set-ups.

Contains coconut carbon to provide a porous surface.

Burrowing and egg laying substrate allows for natural behaviors.

Suitable for plants creating a bioactive terrarium.

Zoo Med Substrate

It’s no surprise that dart frogs are popular pets among enthusiasts. Their striking colors and unique behaviors make them a fascinating addition to any frog collection.

Why Choose Dart Frogs?

• Stunning colors and patterns
• Thrives in live enclosures
• Relatively easy to care for with proper setup
• Great choice for frog enthusiasts

If you’re ready to embark on a visually captivating frog-keeping journey, dart frogs are an excellent choice. With their vivid colors and unique behaviors, they are sure to bring beauty and excitement to your frog collection.

Red Eye Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)

Red Eye Tree Frogs, also known as Agalychnis callidryas, are iconic tree frogs that captivate with their vibrant colors and striking appearance. These frogs have bright green bodies adorned with yellow and blue accents, and their most distinctive feature is their beautiful red eyes.

To ensure the best care for Red Eye Tree Frogs, it is important to create an environment that closely matches their natural habitat. These frogs require specific temperature and humidity levels to thrive. A temperature range of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius) and humidity levels between 60-80% are ideal for these arboreal amphibians. Additionally, providing appropriate UVB lighting helps mimic the natural sunlight they would receive in the wild.

Due to their slightly more sensitive nature compared to other frog species, Red Eye Tree Frogs are best suited for experienced owners who can provide the necessary attention to detail in setup and maintenance. However, with proper care, they can make excellent pets and a rewarding addition to any collection of amphibians.

Ambient temperature and humidity

Red Eye Tree Frogs are popular choices among pet frog enthusiasts because of their stunning appearance and unique behaviors. These nocturnal creatures are known for their incredible jumping ability and their ability to glid through the rainforest canopy, using their webbed feet and large toe pads.

It’s important to note that Red Eye Tree Frogs should not be handled excessively, as they are sensitive to human touch. However, observing their natural behaviors and interactions within their enclosure can be a fascinating experience.

To sum up, Red Eye Tree Frogs, or Agalychnis callidryas, offer a visually striking and captivating addition to any frog enthusiast’s collection. With proper care and attention to their habitat requirements, these frogs can thrive and provide endless enjoyment for their owners.

White’s Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

White’s tree frogs, also known as Litoria caerulea, are a delightful addition to any amphibian enthusiast’s collection. These arboreal frogs are the largest among the top 5 best pet frogs for beginners. With their light blue or green color and white underbellies, they are visually striking creatures that capture the attention of both young and old alike. Growing up to 5 inches in length, White’s tree frogs make quite an impression.

One of the standout features of White’s tree frogs is their calm demeanor. These frogs tend to be relatively lazy, spending much of their time perched on branches or other structures in their enclosure. Their docile nature makes them easy to handle, which is why they are popular pets for families. Whether you’re a child or an adult, interacting with these frogs can be a joyous experience.

In terms of care requirements, White’s tree frogs are a great choice for beginners. They have simple needs and are relatively low-maintenance. With the right setup, they can thrive and provide years of companionship. These frogs require a spacious arboreal habitat, preferably with tall branches for climbing and resting. A bioactive setup with live plants and a water feature will mimic their natural environment and enhance their well-being.

The Care Requirements for White’s Tree Frog Include:

• A spacious arboreal enclosure with vertical space for climbing
• Temperature around 78-85°F (25-29°C) during the day
• Humidity level between 50-70%
• A varied diet consisting of appropriately sized insects

White’s tree frogs are widely available in pet stores and from reputable breeders. When selecting a frog, ensure that it is captive-bred to support conservation efforts. These frogs are charismatic creatures that often steal the spotlight in any reptile or amphibian collection.

With their stunning appearance, easygoing nature, and simple care requirements, White’s tree frogs are undeniably an excellent choice for beginners venturing into the world of pet frogs.

Runners Up

While the top 5 best pet frogs for beginners have been covered, there are several other frog species that make excellent choices for pet owners. Some notable runners up include the American green tree frog, red-eyed tree frog, tomato frog, poison dart frog, and gray tree frog. These frogs have their own unique characteristics and care requirements, but they are all relatively easy to care for and can make great pets for beginners. The specific needs of these species should be researched before making a decision.

Join Our GeoZoo Family

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Name *

Email *

Submit

Key Characteristics of Runners Up

Let’s take a closer look at the key characteristics of these runner-up frog species:

These runner-up frog species offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and behaviors, making them attractive options for frog enthusiasts. Remember to thoroughly research the specific care requirements of each species and provide them with an appropriate enclosure, diet, and environmental conditions.

Adding one of these runner-up frogs to your home can bring beauty, uniqueness, and a touch of nature indoors.

Final Remarks

Choosing the best pet frog for beginners involves careful consideration of various factors, such as ease of care, availability, and personal preferences. In this article, we have explored the top 5 best pet frogs for beginners, which are recommended due to their simplicity in care and suitability for captive environments. However, it is essential for new frog owners to conduct thorough research and understand the specific care requirements of their chosen species.

Providing the correct enclosure, maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels, and offering a suitable diet are crucial for the health and well-being of pet frogs. By adhering to proper pet frog care tips, you can create a comfortable and thriving environment for your amphibian companion.

Whether you choose the fascinating Horned Frogs, the agile Gray Tree Frogs, the vibrant Dart Frogs, the iconic Red Eye Tree Frog, or the charming White’s Tree Frog, each species requires attentive care and commitment. By giving your pet frog the attention it needs, you can experience the joy and beauty these fascinating creatures bring to your home.

FAQ

Arun Roy